NICK CLEGG MP TELLS NORTH DEVON IT’S TIME FOR RISK TAKING
November 28, 2007 10:35 AM
"It gives me great pleasure to be in North Devon, with such a highly valued colleague," Nick Clegg MP for Sheffield Hallam told the packed annual North Devon Liberal Democrats' dinner at the Park Hotel in Barnstaple on 24 November. "I firmly believe it is time for risk taking. As a party the Liberal Democrats have spent too much time looking inwards. This leadership election provides a great opportunity - it is a chance to become an outward looking party again."
Nick Clegg went on to explain it was time to clarify traditional liberalism, specifically hostility to top down Government. He said rural communities such as North Devon should be given a greater say in running their own affairs. Meddling by central Government and bureaucratic red tape ruined many a good intention as he was sure local farmers would testify. He also touched on detention without trial and the controversy over ID cards.
On a lighter note it's not every day that your local MP receives such an unusual accolade, but Nick Clegg, likening Nick Harvey MP to a cross between Rory Bremner and Jeremy Paxman brought rapturous laughter; perhaps a combination to bring mirth and fear in equal measure to even the most hardened of lobbyists.
"That Nick Harvey is a valued and experienced constituency MP here in North Devon is widely acknowledged across the political spectrum," added Nick Clegg, "perhaps what is not so widely appreciated at grass roots level is that in Westminster he talks with considerable authority and just as importantly the House always listens."
Nick Harvey said: "I do feel that there is a gathering sense of outrage at the undermining of traditional cherished values by this Government over the last decade and that party politics have narrowed beyond recognition. It is time for a change, to move forward and I wish Nick Clegg every success with his leadership bid."
When questioned about his hectic leadership campaigning up and down the country Nick Clegg responded "it's fun but tiring, though who can complain about being in such a nice part of the world."
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